How long will the UK heatwave last?

The UK is forecast to see heatwave conditions over the bank holiday weekend, as the hottest May day on record could come on Monday.

Temperatures are forecast to reach 33C in southern England and the Midlands on Monday — higher than the UK’s current May temperature record of 32.8C.

Highs of 28C are expected in parts of south-east England on Friday before climbing above 30C across swathes of England and Wales over the following days.

A UK heatwave is officially recorded when an area experiences at least three consecutive days with temperatures meeting or exceeding the region’s heatwave threshold.

Met Office deputy chief forecaster, Steve Kocher, said: “It is likely that the May and spring UK temperature records will be broken over the bank holiday weekend, with forecast temperatures surpassing the existing record of 32.8C.”

Heat health alerts have been issued for much of the Midlands, eastern England and the South East ahead of a heatwave.

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) yellow alerts come into force on Friday morning, with officials warning that the hot weather could cause minor disruption to health and social care services through to Wednesday.

How long is the heatwave forecast to last?

Following the expected heatwave on Saturday, Sunday and Monday, temperatures are expected to begin to drop on Tuesday. The UK is still forecast to see highs of 30C in the afternoon.

On Wednesday, the highest temperatures are forecast to be in the South West and South Wales, hitting 27C in the afternoon.

Deputy chief forecaster Greg Wolverson said: “A very warm period of weather will develop through the weekend and into next week for much of the UK.

“High pressure will be in charge of the UK’s weather over the bank holiday weekend and this should bring fine and settled conditions to most areas.

“The exception will be parts of northwestern Scotland, where it will be cooler and cloudier with some rain at times. There is also a small risk of some thunder in the south late on Friday into Saturday.”

Here’s what the Met Office has forecast over the weekend:

Friday

A largely sunny day across England and Wales with some low cloud potentially affecting western coasts. Cloudier across Scotland and Northern Ireland with some occasional rain but also sunny spells. Feeling warm for most and hot towards the southeast.

Saturday

A largely sunny day, although northwest Scotland, Northern Ireland and some western coasts elsewhere often cloudier with some patchy drizzle. Another very warm day for most.

Sunday to Tuesday

Dry and settled with plenty of sunshine, although the far northwest cloudier, with some rain at times. Feeling very warm or hot by day with potentially warm nights too.